Double Blind (2024) – Review and Summary
“Double Blind” is an intriguing experiment for viewers, but it wavers between making you a thrilling participant and passive observer.
“Double Blind” Plot Summary
A double-blind experiment refers to both the participants and the researcher not knowing what they’re receiving in the experiment. The movie “Double Blind” has a fun twist where we, as viewers, don’t know what’s happening either. We’re as clueless as the researcher and participants (a triple blind, if you will). This Irish horror movie creates an intriguing chilling atmosphere where the paranoia only increases, but while “Double Blind” is heavy on atmosphere, it’s thin on plot and scares.
“Double Blind” starts with an ominous gloved hand grabbing a mouse from a container. The camera pans slowly into the mouse’s glass cage. This introduction sets the chilling, sterile tone that lasts throughout the movie. We then meet Claire (Millie Brady), a reserved lone wolf who’s a participant in an experiment with six other people. Others seem to want to make friends in the experiment, but Claire refuses to play along and just wants her solitude.
Once the experiment starts, the behaviors of the participants and their surroundings quickly worsen. Their brain and heart activity doubles, they have trouble sleeping, and Dr. Burke (Pollyanna McIntosh) is alarmed that no one has any answers for her. The participants are incentivized by money, but once one of them dies by bleeding out of every orifice, they start to reconsider the money offer. Now, in a race for survival, the remaining participants have to choose whether they can stay awake for the next 24 hours without losing their minds or try to find some other way to escape.
“Double Blind” teases viewers with what’s “real” vs. what’s happening inside the participants’ heads. Screenwriter Darach McGarrigle and director Ian Hunt-Duffy get creative with the subconscious and dream sequences in the horror film. But once the bodies start falling, we know all too well that it’s just a matter of time until only a few remain. What’s the message? What is it we’re supposed to fear? In the end, “Double Blind” is a fine experiment that could have spent time with more questions and observations before jumping to its conclusion.
Content Information
“Double Blind” is not rated but includes profanity, scenes of horror, gore, impalings, and plenty of blood.
“Double Blind” General Information
| Director | Ian Hunt-Duffy |
| Screenplay By | Darach McGarrigle |
| Date Released | February 13, 2024 |
| How to Watch | Video on Demand |
| Genre(s) | Horror |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 30 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Not Rated |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Claire | Millie Brady |
| Amir | Akshay Kumar |
| Dr. Burke | Pollyanna McIntosh |
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Claire (Millie Brady)
In the experiment, Claire is a quiet and reserved participant who prefers to keep to herself. While the others look forward to the money and going back home, Claire seems to have no place and no one to go back to.
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Last Kingdom.”
Amir (Akshay Kumar)
Amir is another participant who initially keeps to himself, but immediately springs into action once the experiment goes awry. As a scientist himself, Amir has a plan to survive, but Claire’s and his ideas can sometimes clash with each other.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Pandora.”
Dr. Burke (Pollyanna McIntosh)
Dr. Burke is the one scientist who observes and relays messages to the participants and other scientists. Burke becomes increasingly suspicious of the experiment and its effects on people.
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Walking Dead.”
“Double Blind” Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Let us know your thoughts in the comments:
- Would you be willing to do the “double blind” experiment?
Highlights
Paranoia Lingers in Every Scene
Once the participants have to stay awake for survival, “Double Blind” knows how to squeeze the most paranoia out of every scene. These red-eyed and wary characters are now a danger to each other and themselves. “Double Blind” makes us question who to trust and what’s real. The cold fluorescent lights may stay on, but we are just as paranoid as the characters.
On The Fence
Cool Effects And Thin Characters and Plot Make “Double Blind” a Vibe Movie
Characters float, characters get lost in smoke, and some get swallowed by darkness. All of this is neat to watch, but what it’s all for remains empty. By the time the movie reaches its bloody finale, characters become enemies, friends become foes, but who we’re supposed to root for or against feels stagnant. While we’re invested in the paranoia, we’re removed from the actual action.
Pacing Prevents Proper Scares
“Double Blind” may set the scene and its premise well, but it moves at a breakneck speed to kill off its characters without giving us a reason to be afraid. There’s no time to get spooked about what may happen when people are immediately bleeding out of their eyeholes. The best horror movies tease our fears and can drag them out. Perhaps due to its short run time, “Double Blind” is heavy on the blood and light on the suspense.
Good If You Like
- Horror movies that play mind games and scary movies that take place in one setting.
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